Paynesville between Gippsland Lakes and canals

Paynesville is on the shores of Gippsland Lakes and has a network of canals and waterways. Water shapes not only the landscape here, but also many of the holiday experiences on offer: you can fish, windsurf, ride a jet ski or water-ski in Paynesville. When choosing holiday accommodation, it may therefore help to first consider whether you mainly want to spend time on the water, explore an island or discover Paynesville’s maritime and local culture.

Canals, water sports and a trip to Raymond Island

You can experience Paynesville’s canals on a variety of tours. H20 Tours & Adventures offers trips through the canals, while Sail Safari runs a canal cruise around Paynesville Estate. If you’re interested in a trip like this, these are two specific options that both put the town’s waterways centre stage. You can consider them alongside activities such as fishing, windsurfing, jet skiing and water-skiing, without limiting your stay to just one kind of water-based experience.

Another option takes you beyond the water: the Raymond Island Ferry connects Raymond Island with Paynesville and carries both vehicles and pedestrians. On Raymond Island, the Koala Trail is one way to explore the island. It starts near the ferry arrival point and passes through eucalyptus trees; Raymond Island is known for its large koala population in the wider area around Paynesville. This lets you distinguish between activities on the canals and a trip to the island when planning your journey.

Walking trails and maritime history

There is also a specific route to help you find your way around on foot. A 372-metre section of the Dinni Birraark Walk runs through western Paynesville between Backwater Court and Kellina Court. The path is described as a recreational and cultural heritage trail. The Dinni Birraark Walk/Paynesville Sunset Cove Walk is listed as starting at the Paynesville Community Craft Centre next to Progress Jetty. If you’re planning a walk, these details will help you distinguish between the two route references described here.

Paynesville’s maritime history is the focus of the Paynesville Maritime Museum. The small museum exhibition presents it through photographs, historical artefacts and displays. This offers a different way to connect with the town’s identity than a canal cruise or an outing: instead of experiencing the waterways, you can learn about Paynesville’s maritime past. Paintsville Café also offers art classes and events, adding to the options for those interested in art and culture.

Market and regional cuisine

The Paynesville Farmers & Makers Market is held on the waterfront on the third Saturday of each month. Local produce and goods are available there. If you’d like to plan your stay around a market day, the third Saturday is the monthly date to keep in mind when planning your trip.

There are also specific options for dining with different focuses: SARDINE Dining builds its menu around the fishermen’s morning catch and uses fresh local produce. Pier 70 serves main courses featuring local seafood as well as carefully prepared meat. This makes both fish and seafood, as well as meat dishes, a culinary highlight. Together with the monthly market, this offers another reason to get to know Paynesville through its local produce and cuisine, as well as its waterways.

Discover more places

Altona, Markwood, Wahgunyah, Staghorn Flat, Johanna, Yarck, Murtoa, Curlewis.

For the broader travel overview: Victoria.